A STEAM engine at a mill is back in action for the first time in 30 years.

Leigh Spinners Mill’s engine, which is the third largest in the UK and the biggest of its type in the world, has had power restored to it after two years of work by volunteers.

It is the latest development in a £10 million restoration project organised by the Leigh Building Preservation Trust after the extension of the scutching room being put on display last month.

Chair of the trust Peter Rowlinson said: “This is another step forward for the Leigh Spinners project and we are delighted our first objective has now been achieved so soon after the opening of our new heritage centre in our scutching room.

“More developments are planned for the near future but we are all delighted to see the jewel in our heritage crown back in operation.”

The engine is expected to go on display to the public in an event later this year once a permanent power supply is created by compressed air and cleaning work continues.

Chair of the trust engine group volunteers John Hurst: “We are delighted to bring a major example of our great industrial heritage back into operation.

“This is a massive effort by our team of volunteers and a reflection of their hard work over two years.

“We look forward to making the engine fully operational and open for the public to enjoy.”

The engine, which was built in 1925 by Yates and Thom of Blackburn, generates 1,800 horse power and weighs nearly 200 tonnes with a fly wheel weighing 70 tonnes.

It used to run at 67 revolutions per minute.

The trust also praised the Association of Industrial Archaeology for the £14,900 grant to complete this latest development.